1.0 IntroductionA process is the arrangement of tasks that are performed together in order to provide an output that satisfies the customer needs. The value and the quality of output that satisfies the customer depend on the correct performance of the tasks and the availability of resources. Therefore, it is important for workers to understand the whole process they are engaged in (project guide 2002). Process improvement involves improving work processes basing on data in order to have quality products for customers. Different models are used to improve the process, for example, the Seven Steps, Total Quality Improvement (TQM) and Six Sigma. This paper will focus on the use of the seven step method at Namalimwe Community Hospital where there is a low coverage of postnatal follow up by 40% while the recommended set of standard is 100%.Therefore we want to raise the postnatal follow at Namalimwe hospital from 40% to 100% by June 2013.For this to be a achieve, the whole processes of the postnatal follow up will be outlined and the actual cause will be selected and addressed. The Seven Steps model will help the in charge at Namalimwe Community hospital to improve postnatal process by a dressing the actual problems basing on data. Judice R. indicated that the seven step model used in the process improvement helps to analyze, interpret and address problems through the use of routine and timely collected data. Seven steps of task starts by defining the problem, then measuring the process improvement and analysis of causes which is followed by Plan, Do, Study and Act.

The in charge is responsible for selecting the team; members may be of various ranks or coming from different departments depending on the nature of process. In this case, the safe mother hood coordinator, nurse, clinician, Environmental Health officer and Health Surveillance Assistant are chosen in the team. The first assignment of the team is to revisit the aim. Step by Step Guide for Process Improvement also outlines those members of the team has the responsibility in carrying out activities like collection and analysis of data.

2.0 DEFINING THE PROCESS
The process that will be outlined is the postnatal process.
2.1 Postnatal process
When the team has been choosen, there is a need to Identify and outline the postnatal process, at...

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...+
Continuous Improvement
+
Continuous ImprovementProcess
(CIP)
n
It is an ongoing effort to improve products, services, or
processes. These efforts can seek "incremental"
improvement over time or "breakthrough" improvement all at
once.
n
W. Edward Deming, a pioneer of the field, saw it as part of the
'system' whereby feedback from the process and customer
were evaluated against organizational goals.
+
How to develop a culture of
Continuous Improvement:
n A
culture of continuous
improvement is one in
which individuals are
growing, learning and
contributing to the overall
goal.
n Through
ongoing
communication,
information sharing,
assessments and rewards,
individuals and groups can
progress towards personal
and organizational goals.
+
7 Steps for CI:
n
Communicate Expectations
n All expectations should be communicated clearly and
regularly, like; punctuality, attend regular meetings,
deliver projects on time and contribute to the
enhancement of products and processes etc.
n
Deliver information & training
n Advancement in knowledge and skills, like; ongoing
training sessions, identify the individual skills, answer
questions, provide guidance and feedback etc.
n
Assess knowledge & skills
n Use assessment tools to gauge the progress of
individuals; communication...